Program UpdateS

Walk-through videos of school schematics

Ashland middle School

helman elementary school

The Bond Committee, made up of a wide cross-section of the Ashland community, worked to review the needs of the school district, related to the following goals:

Increase or improve health and safety

Prioritize flexibility and adaptability

Be sustainable and energy efficient

Promote inclusiveness

Promote financial stewardship

Standardize facility systems

Plan for the future

Cost Information: As with prior District bonds, the projected levy rate resulting from the District bonds is estimated to be at or below $2.00 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value. After thirteen years, the projected levy rate is estimated to reduce to $1.00 per $1,000 for the following twelve years.

Actual levy rates may differ due to actual interest rates and changes in taxable assessed values over the life of the bond.

Air Quality improvements and Climate resilience for existing buildings, including new construction

Required tech infrastructure

Timeline

Photos

September | The Ashland Public Schools district and HMK met with Soderstrom Architects Ltd. + Arkitek: Design & Architecture and Adroit Construction for a CMGC kickoff meeting to discuss the project timelines and discuss the projects. Later that day, we met with both schools to review updated drawings and discuss the unique programs and priorities of both schools.

Design Development meetings continued for the Ashland Middle School and John Muir Outdoor School project throughout the month of January led by the Soderstrom Architects | arkitek: design and architecture team. The core teams and user groups enthusiastically engaged with the designers reviewing and commenting on refinements made to the plans, based on Value Engineering and specific functional input from administrators, teachers and support staff.

Jan 14th | Ashland Middle School and John Muir Outdoor School’s site councils both met with Soderstrom and Arkitek to review current drawings and provide input on building massing and the continued design refinements. In several weeks, the design team will meet with focus groups (room specific users) to receive feedback on the specific needs of all the users.

HMK facilitated Value Engineering meetings on December 30th, January 3rd and January 7th with the Ashland Middle School and John Muir Outdoor School core teams, District Leadership, Adroit Construction the CM | GC, Soderstrom Architects Ltd. and Arkitek. The architects presented several design options for maximizing economy of construction while maintaining quality and function for the education programs for the two schools. The design team was pleased to receive thoughtful and constructive feedback that will enable them to advance the design forward with confidence.

Dec 30th | District staff, HMK, Soderstrom Architects Ltd. + Arkitek: Design & Architecture met with Ashland Middle School administrators to review the Schematic Design drawings. The team is reviewing the drawings to ensure we are designing an efficient building that will meet the educational program.

November | Ashland Middle School and John Muir Outdoor School administrators and teachers met with HMK and the design team for the first round of Focus Groups. Focus Groups are key meetings with the users of specific spaces. The meetings center around listening and understanding the unique program and requirements of the users spaces. The team met with office staff, P.E., Athletics, Custodians, Science, Computer, etc. teachers. Additionally, the team met with parents of mobility challenged students to help creat inclusive learning environments that exceed ADA.

November | Principals and school staff met with the district, HMK and Arkitek: Design & Architecture to finalize interior finishes that will be used in the projects at Ashland High School (Oregon), Ashland Middle School, Helman Elementary School and Walker Elementary Schooll. The intent of this process was to create color palettes that can be used on these projects, as well as establish materials that are durable, easy to maintain and sustainable.

February | HMK Company and Soderstrom Architects Ltd. conducted a tour of three modern schools in the Eugene area on behalf of Ashland Middle School teachers and administrators. The schools visited were Hamlin Middle School, Roosevelt Middle School, and Willamette High School. They exemplified first-hand examples of 21st Century innovations in educational facilities that may be incorporated into the design of the current Middle School project.

March | Ashland Middle School, John Muir Elementary School site massing model.

May | Construction Documents and Planning for Construction Phase The Designers have moved into the Construction Documents, the final phase of design, while continuing to refine the details. Planning for the construction phase is well under way, as the project team is evaluating options for relocating students during construction, taking inventory of existing items, and boxing up items to be moved or stored.

June | Preliminary construction activities for the project commenced this week with the removal of the obsolete underground diesel fuel storage tank laying in the future central courtyard area. The work by, Western States Environmental Services,LLC a local contractor, is being performed according to strict safety and environmental requirements.

Updates

Current Activities• Soderstrom Architects launched into the Construction Documents (CD), the final phase of design. The fruits of Design Development (DD) were showcased in Presentations to the Middle School and John Muir School Site Committees.• Value Engineering (VE) and Budget Reconciliation refinements are being incorporated into the plans and specifications.• Underground utilities mapping, and additional geotechnical and hazardous materials investigation was completed. Existing building condition investigation by the Construction Manager, Adroit Construction, was completed to assist the architects and engineers in making critical design decisions.

Activities Scheduled for Next Period• 50% completion of Construction Documents• Constructability Review of drawings and specifications• Planning for moving and relocation during construction• Ongoing discussions with Brightworks to incorporate sustainability and environmentally friendly material and practices.

Highlights• The architects achieved the 50% CD Deadline during these challenging times.• Various critical field investigations were completed to inform the design.

Challenges• Develop moving and temporary relocation plans for students and staff during construction.• Continuing meetings and field investigations with the restrictions of COVID-19.

Climate resilience for all buildings, rather than just new construction

Required tech infrastructure

Timeline

Photos

November | BBT Architects’s Matthew Guthrie was a ‘student for the day’. Matthew immersed himself in Helman culture and received a long division refresher. The Student For the Day is a great way for the architects to understand the unique features of the school as well as challenges. Even better, it’s a great opportunity for students to provide input on their likes and dislikes and provide actual examples.

November | Principals and school staff met with the district, HMK and Arkitek: Design & Architecture to finalize interior finishes that will be used in the projects at Ashland High School (Oregon), Ashland Middle School, Helman Elementary School and Walker Elementary Schooll. The intent of this process was to create color palettes that can be used on these projects, as well as establish materials that are durable, easy to maintain and sustainable.

March | SOCIAL DISTANCE + QUARANTINE DESIGN MEETING | Core Team meeting, updating on exterior building elements and landscaping. Design meetings continue through utilizing technology. The team discussed sustainable landscaping and exterior materials, as well as discussed maintaining the beautiful views and connection to courtyards that the current campus provides. This project replaces two outdate pods, with a single high-efficiency building that will have replacement classrooms, special education and break-out spaces for group work and presentations.

March | Helman Elementary School Site Committee, comprised of administrators and teachers, met with BBT Architects to work on the design of the Elementary School renovation and addition. BBT had the opportunity to receive input from aspiring 2nd grade architects at Helman on what the ideal classroom should look like! They also received vital input from the 5th graders on what they would like to see in the new addition.

March | Helman Elementary School Site Committee, comprised of administrators and teachers, met with BBT Architects to work on the design of the Elementary School renovation and addition. BBT had the opportunity to receive input from aspiring 2nd grade architects at Helman on what the ideal classroom should look like! They also received vital input from the 5th graders on what they would like to see in the new addition.

March | Helman Elementary School Site Committee, comprised of administrators and teachers, met with BBT Architects to work on the design of the Elementary School renovation and addition. BBT had the opportunity to receive input from aspiring 2nd grade architects at Helman on what the ideal classroom should look like! They also received vital input from the 5th graders on what they would like to see in the new addition.

March | As the Helman Elementary School Renovation and Addition project continues in the design development process, the faculty has invited additional student involvement. As part of a school project, the students created Architecture Firms and designed their ideal school! As part of the assignment, the students formed teams and sketched out their school models; One team even enlisted the help of a parent to create a 3-D model.

March | As the Helman Elementary School Renovation and Addition project continues in the design development process, the faculty has invited additional student involvement. As part of a school project, the students created Architecture Firms and designed their ideal school! As part of the assignment, the students formed teams and sketched out their school models; One team even enlisted the help of a parent to create a 3-D model.

May | The Ashland Public Schools District has set sustainability as standard for all bond program projects. Using the Climate Energy Action Plan (CEAP), developed by the City of Ashland, as the framework, the district, HMK, Brightworks and the design teams have been strategizing and incorporating the targets in the CEAP Plan. Recently, Brightworks completed an energy model of the proposed new building at Helman Elementary School. The results demonstrate an Energy Use Index (EUI) that is less than half of the Oregon Energy Code!

Updates

Current ActivitiesThe Design Development (DD) Phase was completed and the drawing set and specifications were sent to Adroit and Construction Focus to begin developing an estimate for the project. There was 1 meeting for DD in April. While at the meeting, the BBT team presented a flyover video of the new building addition. This gave the design group a more concrete look at their hard work over several months of design meetings. BBT, HMK and Brightworks met to discuss the energy modeling that was performed on the design. We contracted with Rogue Planning and Development to assist in drafting the findings for the permit application.BBT, ASD, HMK, MFIA, Conley Engineering, Walker Engineering and KenCairn Landscape met twice in April to review the details of the design and how those pertain to function.

Activities Scheduled for Next PeriodThe Design Development (DD) phase is completed and Adroit and Construction Focus is working on an estimate and reconciliation.

Improved accessibility and flexibility for the Humanities and Science Buildings

Repurpose or reconfigure exisiting spaces for science program requirements

Upgrades for air quality, security, restrooms, and technology infrastructure

Timeline

Photos

November | The Ashland High School (Oregon) architect selection committee comprised of teachers and administrators, reviewed proposals from and interviewed three well—qualified architectural firms; seeking to provide design services for the renovation of the science and humanities buildings. Scoring of the firms’ proposals and performance in the interviews was very close. The committee’s focused questioning, specific to the project, brought out the key strengths and differences between the firms. Leading to the local design team of Arkitek: Design & Architecture | Kistler Small & White Architects coming out on top. Selection of the design firm is an important milestone for advancing the project

November | Principals and school staff met with the district, HMK and Arkitek: Design & Architecture to finalize interior finishes that will be used in the projects at Ashland High School (Oregon), Ashland Middle School, Helman Elementary School and Walker Elementary Schooll. The intent of this process was to create color palettes that can be used on these projects, as well as establish materials that are durable, easy to maintain and sustainable.

At the end of January, design teams met with members of the Ashland High School and Walker Elementary School Core Teams. The meetings defined the project team, scope of the project, phases of design, various input groups and the school’s program.

At the end of January, design teams met with members of the Ashland High School and Walker Elementary School Core Teams. The meetings defined the project team, scope of the project, phases of design, various input groups and the school’s program.

February | Science + Humanities Modernization Project – First Pre-Design | Programming Charette On Valentine’s Day, Project Architects Chris Brown and Jerome White of Arkitek: Design & Architecture | Kistler Small & White Architects artfully conducted the first of several design charettes with the High School Core Team consisting of a select group of teachers and administrators representing the greater school staff. Bond Executive, Steve Mitzel, gave an inspiring introduction to the design process beginning in this initial meeting of the Programming Phase, or fact finding and visioning, part of the project. Core Team members participated enthusiastically providing valuable information and insight to guide the designers in developing a clear path forward.

Updates

Current Activities• arkitek:design&architecture / kistler+small+white designers are analyzing the programming information and input from design charrettes with the high school Core Team in order to complete the pre-design/programming documentation. This is a critical process that forms the basis for developing schematic design options.• Hazardous Materials investigation and Geotechnical investigation.

Activities Scheduled for Next Period• Schematic Design will commence with additional design charrettes with the high school Core Team and site visits to evaluate existing classrooms and building conditions.• Completion of Hazardous Materials and Geotechnical investigation.• Survey of existing mechanical and electrical systems by design engineers.

Challenges• An application for Oregon State grant funding for seismic upgrade of the Humanities Building will be considered for award next month.• Continue to safely progress the work in the COVID-19 environment.

November | BBT Architects was selected as the preferred firm. From this point forward, they will work with HMK and the Ashland School district on the exciting task of designing the renovation and upgrade of Walker Elementary. BBT will focus on preserving the historic building while at the same time modernizing the learning environment with the district’s mission statement, “Inspiring learning for life” as the forefront of the design. A Recommendation to Award Contract was issued and signed off based upon the decision by the scoring committee. Fee negotiations took place between HMK and BBT Architects. The District also went into contract with G2 Consultants to handle the HazMat portion of the project.

November | Principals and school staff met with the district, HMK and Arkitek: Design & Architecture to finalize interior finishes that will be used in the projects at Ashland High School (Oregon), Ashland Middle School, Helman Elementary School and Walker Elementary Schooll. The intent of this process was to create color palettes that can be used on these projects, as well as establish materials that are durable, easy to maintain and sustainable.

At the end of January, design teams met with members of the Ashland High School and Walker Elementary School Core Teams. The meetings defined the project team, scope of the project, phases of design, various input groups and the school’s program.

At the end of January, design teams met with members of the Ashland High School and Walker Elementary School Core Teams. The meetings defined the project team, scope of the project, phases of design, various input groups and the school’s program.

February | Feb 13th, BBT Architects met with the Site Committee composed of parents, teachers and administrators, tasked with helping develop the scope of the Walker Elementary School Seismic Upgrade and Renovation. The team participated in many activities to help identify the needs of the parents, students and staff of the school. It was determined early on that Walker Elementary has a very close family feel while still celebrating everyone’s individuality. BBT Architects will use the information from these activities to continue putting together the scope of the renovation project that is part of the Ashland Public Schools District Bond.

March | Last week, the Walker Elementary School site committee met with BBT Architects and HMK to continue planning the renovations at the school. The group was able to use scale models to layout their “ideal” schools. This interactive exercise helps the architects understand the full design intent of the school. It’s activities like this, that create successful projects and give the faculty and administrators not only a school they can be proud of, but one that serves the students and community to its full potential.

Updates

Current ActivitiesDuring the month of April, BBT Architects and the core team completed the programming for Walker. This is a crucial phase and really kicks off the design process. There were three responses for our Request for Proposals by the CMGC firms. Scoring took place and two firms received invitations to interview fornext month, Adroit Construction and Ausland Construction.

Activities Scheduled for Next PeriodIn May the core team will be interviewing two CMGC Proposers, Adroit Construction and Ausland Construction. GRI will be visiting the site to perform borings and Dilatometer testing. This will give the design team important geotechnical information.

Highlights• Programming was completed• Proposals were received and scored for CMGC

The Executive team began the district-wide HVAC, Restroom and Safety & Security projects, with requesting proposals from consultants.

Photos

April | Ashland Bond Promise | This week the district and HMK met with consultants and contractors District-Wide. With schools empty, the teams conducted investigative demolition of building conditions, allowing the design teams to fully understand how the buildings were constructed. This becomes invaluable during construction, minimizing unforeseen conditions. Additionally, we met with mechanical contractors and engineers to review the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment throughout the district. Ameresco is working on energy audits that will provide insightful data on performance and energy usage. Ultimately, these schools will receive new HVAC that will address energy efficiency, indoor air-quality and climate resiliency.

Preliminary construction activities for the project commenced this week with the removal of the obsolete underground diesel fuel storage tank laying in the future central courtyard area. The work by, Western States Environmental Services,LLC a local contractor, is being performed according to strict safety and environmental requirements. ... See MoreSee Less

The Ashland Schools Foundation joins the Ashland Public Schools and voices around the nation in advocating for real change to end systemic racism in our community and our country. But raising our voice is not enough.
ASF has established a Fund for Equity & Inclusion for directed donations to provide resources in Ashland Public Schools for our community of Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
We will be matching the first $5000 in donations, and will be working with the school district and families to determine how we can have the greatest impact through funding.
Donations to this fund will enable our schools to respond in a powerful way to challenges and opportunities unique to our BIPOC community.
Donate directly to the Fund for Equity & Inclusion here:
secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=JGJMPp

This makes me happy as an educator in Southern OR as well as a parent with a child in the Ashland district. I’d love to see teachers include more of the history of the struggle for civil rights into lessons as kids move through upper elementary and beyond. It’s important that our kids gain a sense of context for what’s happening and why.

Hi there. Walker and BASS parent here. My kiddo and I have drove around town to all the schools looking for some support and encouragement from these signs. Kudos to those schools that have them displayed so proudly. And yes, Walker has been doing some amazing EDI work long before the current environment we are living in at this time. They also recognize that there is always room to improve and do more. I am curious if someone can tell me where exactly is the AMS Black Lives Matter sign located? This post led me to believe that they had one up, and we have now driven the entire perimeter of AMS multiple times (including around the back where the bus drop off is located) and have not been able to locate their sign. We would love to see it. If for some reason they do not have one up can we fix that? And if we cannot fix that can we take their picture off this post since it is misleading? #blacklivesmatter

Thank you for taking a stand in support of our BIPOC community members and for sending resources to parents on how to talk to our kids about racism and police brutality. I am hopeful that many parents, particularly parents of white children, will have these conversations, but I am concerned that parents who have not participated in conversations about race and racism before will opt out if there isn’t some measure of accountability. We must hold each other accountable in our own schools and district-wide to lean into the discomfort and actually do the work. In addition, what is the district doing to support continued anti-racist training for all teachers and staff? Even with budget shortfalls this must be prioritized! How will the district hold healing space for and provide support to our BIPOC students and their families?

Beginning June 8, meals can be picked up at Ashland Middle School cafeteria window or Helman Elementary School each weekday 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Families throughout Ashland are encouraged to come to one of these locations to pick up lunch!

All meals are free for children age 0 – 18 yrs. Adults may purchase a meal for $3.00.

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